$5 a gallon, do we hear $6?

Editor's Corner

By David Richards

(Updated: Friday, June 20, 2008, 5:39 PM)

A Bay Area resident once said in the late 1980s, "if the cost of gas ever hit $2 a gallon, I will never drive again."

In 2008, that statement seems as useless as Sony Walkmans, eight-track tape players and trying to buy Crystal Pepsi.

With the gas prices higher in many places throughout the world, it isn't surprising that gas pains are hitting close to home as well.

Mountain Area gas prices are typically a little bit higher than Fresno, so the cost to commute to work, take our kids to school or daycare or even to buy groceries is becoming a tremendous burden.

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of unleaded gas in California is $4.47, while the least expensive gas in the nation can be found in Casper, Wyo. at $3.79

When it comes to gas, it seems to be about fearing a certain milestone. Remember when we were about to reach $3 a gallon? Then it was only a matter of time until we hit $3.50, $4, $4.50. So what is the new milestone to be feared, $5?

Try $6.

In both Wawona and El Portal, gas station officials are already reporting gas between $5.09 and $5.39 a gallon.

Pity the poor motorhome driver who fills up in one of those towns. If you are the lucky owner of a 2008 Winnebago Destination 37G motorhome, which boasts a 100-gallon gas tank and gets an average of six miles to the gallon, your gas bill would be more than $500.

These are tough times, and the best we can do is to encourage our residents and visitors to shop locally for the best prices possible and hope that gas prices will decrease soon, even though that's probably as likely the return of Crystal Pepsi.

The issues above are discussed and chosen by the Sierra Star editorial board, made up of Betty E. Linn, publisher, and David Richards, editor.